Alberta NDP, UCP make promises for better health care

Both the Alberta NDP and UCP unveiled details of their health care plans Saturday, hoping to sway voters with promises of more health-care workers or better services.

Rachel Notley and the Alberta NDP are vowing to attract front-line health care workers by offering a $10,000 signing bonus. Notley says, if elected, the party would dedicate $70 million annually for signing bonuses.

She also says the NDP would pledge $375 million investment over three years to add spaces in schools across the province to encourage more Albertans to enter that field.

“We will solve the health care crisis and empower Albertans to choose meaningful and respected careers in health care, in communities right across Alberta,” Notley said.

“Our plan will attract skilled professionals from around the world.”

The plan also promises to fund 30,000 new post-secondary spaces over four years, targeting up to 10,000 spaces to health care programs. Notley says the NDP is committed to keeping Alberta’s future health care workers in the province.

The NDP is also vowing to recruit and train more international health professionals and international medical graduates while streamlining the credentialing process.

“We have internationally trained doctors currently in Alberta waiting on the sidelines, ready to work,” Notley said. “Danielle Smith will try to say that why I’m proposing can’t be done, but it’s actually she either refuses to do this or can’t.”

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The Alberta UCP promised Saturday their party will improve health care for Alberta women and children through a series of investments.

Among the promises are additional funding for testing, educational supports, and programs for children with autism and other needs and disabilities.

The UCP is also vowing to hire more obstetricians for communities in need.

“Women and children can have special health needs that need to be met if we’re going to improve health outcomes. Whether it’s increasing funding for obstetrics and midwifery, working to expand newborn screening, or supporting important research, today’s announcement will help more Albertans lead healthier lives,” said Alberta UCP leader Danielle Smith.

Health practitioners moving to Alberta are also eligible for a bonus as per the UCP’s “Alberta is Calling Signing Bonus and Graduate Retention Tax Credit,” which is an initiative to attract and retain doctors and nurses.

In the announcement, Smith emphasized Albertans will not be required to pay to see a doctor.

“Under a UCP government, no Albertan will ever have to pay out-of-pocket to see their family doctor or get the medical treatment they need. The only card Albertans will need to access health care is their health card,” Smith said.

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